McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
808 Blue and Gold Drive
Box 91375
Lake Charles, LA 70607
Office: 337-562-4262
Fax: 337-475-5924
The McNeese State University Autism Program (MAP) is part of the McNeese Department of Psychology and Counseling’s nationally recognized training program in applied behavior analysis. The focus of our program is on providing high-quality care: we maintain fairly small caseloads so we can develop and deliver specialized, individual treatment for each client we serve.
Our board-certified behavior analysts have extensive training and experience and are involved in every aspect of treatment each client receives, and our therapists are master’s degree-level interns with extensive training in Applied Behavior Analysis. Many of these therapists completed the McNeese bachelor’s degree program in psychology and possess hands-on experience in research, treatment planning, and service delivery in our program both as undergraduate and graduate students.
Here, students enrolled in the face-to-face program who live within the five-parish area secure an internship site placement at the McNeese Autism Program while working toward a Master of Science in degree in applied behavior analysis, and complete coursework approved by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®. Graduate students who complete the program requirements are eligible to sit for the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) Examination and apply for state licensure. The on-campus graduate program prepares master’s level graduates to practice in community settings as Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)® and has received accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)®.
Close collaboration between MAP staff, interns and doctoral-level department faculty ensure our interventions reflect the highest standards of evidence-based practice and treatment delivery.
I am a McNeese graduate with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. As a student, I competed on the rodeo team and served on the SGA board. I earned my master’s degree in 2022 from the University of South Dakota in Educational Administration and Leadership with a concentration in Adult and Higher Ed. I have over 13 years of experience in adult education and 20 years of educational experience.
My favorite part of being a Freshman Advisor is helping students navigate their new life routine as a college freshman by offering support with in-person office visits or by email to help students meet their goals. I always remind students of my favorite BB King quote – “Education is one thing no one can ever take away from you.” I believe that supporting students is vital to a student's success.
In my spare time, I raise registered American Brahman cattle, and I enjoy all the "country girl" things like hunting, fishing, growing a garden and cooking.